Blistr is a new card punch with two important differences to more traditional card punches. First, it is built like a pair of small pliers and therefore very easy to use. The pliers are a flexure design 3D printed from durable plastic. (Starting design was created by BYU Compliant Mechanisms Research which I modified to fit my needs.) Second, this punch creates a bigger smoother blister than needle-based punches. The tip is not sharp and therefore does not punch through the playing card. For many, this will be easier to feel than a fine needle prick. The blister is a half-dome about 1 mm in diameter. The exact depth of the impression can be adjusted with a 3/32-inch hex wrench. The setscrew is a 10-32.
If you place a blister in opposing diagonal corners or perhaps in all four corners of a card you can create a similar effect to a breather crimp - a key card to which it is easy to cut to. The advantage of the blisters is that they will typically remain active for a much longer time than a breather crimp.
For ideas, routines, and other tips and tricks using a card punch we can recommend The Punch Letters.
[Note that the color can differ from the one shown in the photo.]
1st edition 2017, length 8 cm.
Reviewed by Jeffrey Ashkettle (confirmed purchase)
★★★★★ Date Added: Wednesday 22 April, 2020I finally got around to ordering this. I already own a PinPoint Pegger and was not sure if this would get much use. From the initial day of playing with different ideas using both, I am certain it will be used. The PinPoint Pegger has a more accurate X/Y adjustable axis rails but Blistr leaves an easier to feel bump (and does not accidentally go all the way thru. I guess with more practice that would change though). I will not compare them one to one because it would be an apples to oranges thing. Honestly, I already like them both the same and have different ideas for both. I did try the Blistr on all 4 corners and it did act very similar to a breather. I will have to dig out my allen wrenches and adjust the depth to see where I will like it set for the most part. The setting it came in works just fine so far but I was only getting an initial feel for it. If you have been on the fence (like I was since they first came out) go ahead and order it. You will find many fun and sneaky uses for it.
Reviewed by Dave Arch (confirmed purchase)
★★★★★ Date Added: Monday 07 January, 2019The bump created by this ingenious device is truly invisible to my eyes and yet easily felt by my fingertip. Thank you, Chris, for providing a device in which I can place much confidence that my audience will not discover the secret no matter how much they handle the deck.
Reviewed by John Scialli (confirmed purchase)
★★★★★ Date Added: Wednesday 03 May, 2017This thing is ingenious. It looks as if it should be fragile until one realizes it is of one piece and there is nothing to fall apart. The blister it leaves is innocuous but quite visible/feelable. It is small enough
for the pocket so as to be used for impromptu miracles or those with a borrowed deck. However, a downside is that in order to hit the same spot, some external sizer will need to be made/jerry-rigged. These
exactly placed blisters are nice for, say, Bee Club Special, or Erdnase (Conjuring Arts) backs with criss-cross patterns. Raising one of the diagonals with a blister leaves a broken or non-straight line to be seen, rather than a more obvious blister. The Pinpoint Pegger with a blunted pin may do a better job (or at least be easier) because of the
ability to lock in 3D coordinates.
